For some time now, There has been a strong division between swords people: Do George Silver's true times apply to all swordsmanship, or just his? Well, I welcome your opinions, but my answer is: Know your role, jebronie. ;)
Why not always, or never? Well, that's a long conversation. Short version - a swordsperson should be adaptable in their fight. Some times you need the probing quickness that Silver's timing scheme offers, and every now and then you need the pure BANG that the boxing style hip linkage offers us (though *I* believe that power is a "sometimes" food when it comes to sharp objects.)
A simpler fact:
Use your hips to create movement!Through movement you create mechanics,
Through mechanics you create stopping power,
and through stopping power achieve victory.
So, I'll let y'all debate on the when you need which issue. I'm Gonna talk about he part I'm best at -Creating movement and achieving that power.
So, I know you've heard it before. C'mon, you know it's true. I've heard a lot of variations on the theme:
So, I know you've heard it before. C'mon, you know it's true. I've heard a lot of variations on the theme:
"The power comes from the legs"
"Drop your weight"
"Turn your body"
"Twist yer hips"
"Twist yer hips"
Take your pick, all of these thoughts are aimed at the same thing: moving the sword efficiently.
The strength of the arm is not enough. For the person who's asking why, I'll list you the reasons, just to get it out of the way.
The strength of the arm is not enough. For the person who's asking why, I'll list you the reasons, just to get it out of the way.
- Force = mass x acceleration. Your arm is light, you body is heavy. Do the math.
- The arm will tire out if you overly rely on such small muscle groups (professional trainer talking here)
- And finally, the biggie, rechambering the weapon. You need to have the sword coiled to go again right away, and relying on the arms alone won't get that done quickly or reliably.
So Let's look at the mechanics. ALL of them. What? You say, there's more than one right way? Yes. Always.
Look gang, all of us Medieval sword people teach our own unique movement doctrines. I am not gonna tell you what's right from wrong. I will tell you this though - whether you mean to or not, your students will emulate you. So be purposeful in teaching said doctrine.
When planning you curriculum, remember that every thing we do comes from motion. and we can optimize that to be task specific. Ask yourself, what is the fight you're prepping for? A tourney? A "street fight"? Target cutting?
In my mind, those three things each have different tweeks that will optimize them.
When planning you curriculum, remember that every thing we do comes from motion. and we can optimize that to be task specific. Ask yourself, what is the fight you're prepping for? A tourney? A "street fight"? Target cutting?
In my mind, those three things each have different tweeks that will optimize them.
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So what are the different ways the hips can move, and what do they accomplish?
The sword/body/legs (G. Silver model)
The all at once approach, (mushy model)
The legs/body/weapon approach (boxer model)
Why do I need both? Different advantages.
For the Armizare folks, many of us favor the silver model because we want to stay at range, avoid binds not of our choosing, and force the opponent into a parry/riposte mode, rather than letting them counter-attack.
The down side is we'll hit a little less "hard", but at sword levels of power, *I* don't find it too lacking, but some folks like a lot of bang in their sword-fu. Mileage will vary.
The Boxer model offers a lot more torque, with a very nice muscular "whip" depending on the exact motor chain you are employing. that means the sword itself carries more momentum.
The down side is that Threat phase of the attack can develop late, increasing chances of telegraphy.
I don't like the mushy model. Worst of all, best of none. Nothing more to say. If YOU use that model and get good results, tell me why you like it. Right here in the comments. I promise you have my attention and interest, 'cause you'll be the first one to tell me that.
Now, I don't have a dog in the race when it comes to debating the other two. It's like Phillips or Regular head screw drivers - just use the right one in the moment.
The video will address the bio mechanics, so don't forget to watch that. as always, thanks for reading. Please subscribe and follow me. I LOVE feed back, and I take topic requests.
The legs/body/weapon approach (boxer model)
Why do I need both? Different advantages.
For the Armizare folks, many of us favor the silver model because we want to stay at range, avoid binds not of our choosing, and force the opponent into a parry/riposte mode, rather than letting them counter-attack.
The down side is we'll hit a little less "hard", but at sword levels of power, *I* don't find it too lacking, but some folks like a lot of bang in their sword-fu. Mileage will vary.
The Boxer model offers a lot more torque, with a very nice muscular "whip" depending on the exact motor chain you are employing. that means the sword itself carries more momentum.
The down side is that Threat phase of the attack can develop late, increasing chances of telegraphy.
I don't like the mushy model. Worst of all, best of none. Nothing more to say. If YOU use that model and get good results, tell me why you like it. Right here in the comments. I promise you have my attention and interest, 'cause you'll be the first one to tell me that.
Now, I don't have a dog in the race when it comes to debating the other two. It's like Phillips or Regular head screw drivers - just use the right one in the moment.
The video will address the bio mechanics, so don't forget to watch that. as always, thanks for reading. Please subscribe and follow me. I LOVE feed back, and I take topic requests.
